The exhibition presents classic portraits of cinematic royalty, both historic and contemporary, by photographers such as Eve Arnold, Elliott Erwitt, David Hurn and Dennis Stock.

Presenting a remarkable selection of contact sheets and related material, 'Magnum Contact Sheets' lays bare the creative methods, strategies and editing processes behind some of the world’s most iconic images — was the final image a set-up, or a serendipitous encounter; did the photographer work to extract the potential from a situation, or was it the fabled ‘decisive moment’?

139 contact sheets, containing over 3,600 frames, representing 69 photographers, are featured, as well as zoom-in details, selected photographs, press cards, notebooks and spreads from contemporary publications, including Life magazine and Picture Post. Insight into each contact sheet is provided in texts written by the photographers themselves or by experts chosen by members’ estates. Read more about the book here:http://tiny.cc/vsrqow

"Magnum Contact Sheets" Book SigningThursday 13th December from 18:30 - 20:30Books cost £95. Signed copies can be pre-ordered by emailing chelsea.jacob@magnumphotos.com or telephone 020 7490 1771.

Magnum Photos is a photographic cooperative of great diversity and distinction owned by its photographer members. With powerful individual vision, Magnum photographers chronicle the world and interpret its peoples, events, issues and personalities.